Mortgages in Dubai for expats

Who can get a mortgage

UAE residents with stable salaried or self-employed income are the core market for Dubai banks. Several banks also lend to non-residents, usually with tighter criteria, lower maximum loans and more documents. Banks look at income, existing debts, credit history (via the Al Etihad Credit Bureau for residents), age at the end of the term, and the property itself. Policies differ by bank and change often, so compare several lenders or use a licensed mortgage adviser.

How much you can borrow

The Central Bank of the UAE caps loan-to-value ratios and debt-burden ratios for home loans. The caps differ for residents and non-residents, for first and subsequent homes, for higher-value properties and for off-plan. Ask lenders for their current figures rather than relying on old articles. Remember the 4% DLD fee and other buying costs come from your own funds on top of the deposit. Try the mortgage calculator for monthly payments and the buying cost calculator for upfront cash.

Documents banks usually ask for

• Passport, visa and Emirates ID (residents)
• Salary certificate and recent payslips, or trade licence and audited accounts if self-employed
• Bank statements covering several recent months
• Credit report from home country (often for non-residents)
• Form F or the reservation/SPA for the property
• Proof of address

Self-employed applicants should expect longer processing and closer scrutiny of business income.

The process step by step

1. Pre-approval — the bank gives an in-principle limit; see mortgage pre-approval in Dubai. 2. Find the property and sign Form F — include a realistic completion date allowing for the bank. 3. Valuation — the bank's panel valuer assesses the property; if the valuation is lower than the price, you fund the gap. 4. Final offer letter — read rate, term, fees, early settlement and insurance terms. 5. Transfer — at the trustee office the bank issues the loan cheque and the mortgage is registered with DLD against the title deed.

Rates, fees and terms to compare

Many Dubai mortgages offer a fixed rate for an initial period, then a variable rate linked to a benchmark plus a margin. Compare the reversion rate, not only the headline. Check arrangement fees, valuation fees, life and property insurance requirements, early settlement and partial prepayment charges, and the DLD mortgage registration fee. Our mortgage vs cash comparison helps decide whether to borrow at all.

Common mistakes

• Making an offer before pre-approval
• Forgetting that a low valuation increases your cash requirement
• Comparing only introductory rates
• Taking on new credit cards or loans between pre-approval and completion
• Not allowing time for the bank in the Form F completion date

Who does what in a mortgage purchase

You supply documents and keep your finances stable. The bank or mortgage adviser assesses you, instructs the valuation and issues the offer. Your agent builds bank timelines into Form F and coordinates with the seller's side. If the seller has a mortgage, their bank provides a liability letter and releases its charge at transfer. The trustee office registers both the transfer and your new mortgage with DLD. Ask the bank early which trustee offices it works with and how long its own steps usually take.